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With the Boston Red Sox making improvements to their starting rotation, the team has reportedly expressed some interest in dealing veteran Clay Buchholz.

Continue for updates.

Marlins Among Teams Considering Buchholz

Thursday, Dec. 8

According to Rob Bradford of WEEI.com, clubs have contacted Boston about multiple pitchers, and the Red Sox have given the indication they are most willing to part with Buchholz.

Bleacher Reports’ Scott Miller, citing sources, later reported that the “[Miami Marlins are] one of these teams Sox pushed Buchholz, but at $13 mil in 2016 too much at the moment for Marlins.”

Red Sox Can Afford to Trade Buchholz

The Red Sox acquired ace Chris Sale from the Chicago White Sox on Tuesday, which means they now have somewhat of a starting pitching surplus.

With a potential rotation of Sale, David Price, reigning AL Cy Young Award winner Rick Porcello, Steven Wright and Drew Pomeranz, Buchholz looks to be the odd man out.

His 2016 numbers aren’t overly impressive on the surface, as he went just 8-10 with a 4.78 ERA, 1.33 WHIP and 93 strikeouts in 139.1 innings.

Most of the 32-year-old’s struggles came early in the season, though, as he posted a 6.35 ERA over his first 10 starts. He straightened things out in the bullpen and closed the season strong after being put back in the rotation to the tune of a 2.98 ERA over his final eight outings.

Buchholz has had an up-and-down career, but a recent history of success suggests he can bounce back from some of the issues that plagued him last season.

He is a two-time All-Star, including a trip to the Midsummer classic in 2013 when he went 12-1 with a 1.74 ERA. He hasn’t reached those levels since, but he was solid just two seasons ago with a 3.26 ERA in 18 starts.

There is some risk involved with trading for Buchholz since he will earn $13.5 million in 2017 and may only be a rental since there is one year left on his contract, per Spotrac.

The cost may not be high to land Buchholz, though, since Boston doesn’t have a desirable spot for him and doesn’t seem likely to re-sign him.

Buchholz cannot be trusted as a top-of-the-rotation pitcher anymore, but he is worth a roll of the dice for a team that needs depth and experience at the back end of its starting staff.